Getting around Paris by Rail (RER)

Using the RER trains

Entrances to RER stations have a big RER logo in white on a blue background on top of a pole so they're easily visible from a distance. There is a local area map at the entrance to each station and also a network map there and on each platform. Make sure you pick the right direction AND that your destination is listed, as the different lines have trains with different routes running on them, and are numbered accordingly, e.g. C1, C2, etc.

Each line is identified by its colour, its letter and its directions. The stations below are the ends of the various line destinations:

To get to platforms, insert your ticket or coupon into the slot on the the turnstile or automatic gate. Don't forget to recover it, because you'll need it to get out at the other end. On the RER network, tickets are inspected both at entry and at exit.

If you've got a season ticket you validate it using the purple target area on the ticket processor. They're working towards having all tickets operate this way.

When you reach the platform, check out the destination of the next train on the screens. The different stops are indicated by illuminated dots. They also tell you the length of the next train (short or long). All RER trains are identified by a 4-letter code on the front of the train and which is also on all the screens announcing train arrivals (to the nearest minute).

Once you're on board, you can follow your journey on the line map above the doors. To get out, you have to open the doors by pressing the button. The doors close automatically with a beep.

There are all the usual signs on platforms and in corridors indicating travel connections and exits to the city. As mentioned above, a local district map is available on the platform and near exits to help you orientate yourself when you leave.

Tickets:

You can use the following tickets to travel on the RER; details about what they entitle you to and buying them can be found on our Paris Transport Tickets page

NB: Interconnections to the airport
To get to Orlyval, you need a special ticket to travel from Paris to Antony on the the metro and RER network. This special Orlyval ticket is sold separately in metro and RER stations, on the SNCF Ile de France network and at RATP-Orlyval salesdesks at the Orlyval airport.

The Montmartre Funiculaire
You can use the Montmarte Funiculaire with a ticket t "Metro, bus, Tram, RER-Paris". This allows you to take a one-way trip (up or down).